Did you know North Carolinas Beech Mountain is the highest town in the Eastern United States? One of the top summer attractions for families is Santa's Land Fun Park & Zoo, a large amusement park with rides and animals. If you want to spend a night up in this area, have a look at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, an incredible European-style, luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are stunning sites as well. Cashiers is the gateway to Bear Lake Reserve. The unmatched beauty and privacy of the area is the most appealing aspect of what residents love about Lake Toxaway. $( document.body ).append( '' ); In winter, Blowing Rock can be a nice place to base yourself if you are skiing at nearby Appalachian Ski Mountain just a few minutes away. Ramping up the adventure and excitement levels near Banner Elk is the new Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, one of only 20 coasters of this design in the United States. Visit Tour Wheels Through Time for a unique display of classic cars and motorcycles. With a mere 5,000 residents, this community certainly fits the bill when discussing the places best suited to those seeking a small-town style of living. In the summer, these same ski hills feature downhill mountain bike courses for those fearless on two wheels. Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). Market Square, is a popular tourist stop that is impossible to miss as you drive through town. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's charming cities and stunning natural areas lure visitors and residents from around the world. Known as the states oldest attraction, there is plenty to see and do within, Nestled in North Carolinas Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is a quaint and charming borough with surprisingly plenty of things to do! The tallest dam in the Eastern US, Fontana Dam, is one of the more popular spots in Graham County, too. The North Carolina mountains are renowned for offering up a charming slice of small-town life and local culture, including everything from moonshine and bluegrass music to country cooking and . At an elevation of 3,500, the town is surrounded by mountain peaks of 5,000 feet or more and is within close proximity to a number of natural resources to enjoy. Check out Toe River Arts, the Design Gallery, and the Quilt Block Trails. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. At the same time, Chattanooga has many urban pleasures, including dining and entertainment options, a wide variety of public. Due to Henderson Countys high concentration of orchards, the area offers some of the best apples for picking in North Carolina. Read More: 50+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (Downtown, Biltmore, and More!). } Creekside cabins, glamping tents, resort hotels you can find them all in the best Smoky Mountain towns. Whether Cashiers is the ideal location or an elegant private estate on the shores of Lake Toxaway beacons, contact any of our Landmark real estate brokers to help you explore the area and find your next North Carolina dream home. (NC), Hanging Rock State Park Ultimate Travel Guide, 10 BEST Things to do in Waynesville (North Carolina), 15 Amazing Things to Do in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. North Carolina mountain towns have a lot to offer those looking for extraordinary property surrounded by picturesque views to take in the natural beauty of the region and exquisite activities accompanied by top dining options. It is easily one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina and is less than an hour away from Winston Salem, making it a fabulous day trip. Cream is poured on a frozen sheet and rolled up in a Thai tradition, and capped with your favorite toppings. Designed by the same landscape architect responsible for the grounds at the Biltmore Estate, the North Carolina Arboretum, located just outside downtown Asheville, offers 426 acres of groomed gardens and lush trails. Access to Roan Mountain goes through Bakersville and you can also enjoy the Toe Rivers waters here. Nearby Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Beech Mountain Ski Resort attract skiers from across the state and regions farther south, and many of them make their base Banner Elk. Read More: The North Carolina Bucket List. Its home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the majestic Mt. Stacker used 2020 data from WalletHub to determine the 46 best U.S. lake towns to live in, evaluating each on six factors: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of . Nights are much warmer if you are camping, and when the trees at the top of the mountains are just getting their buds, this area is lush and in full bloom. You can easily immerse yourself in local art, browse unique shops, and dig into each places amazing food scene. Similar lists have been published by other websites, including this one that also includes Boone, Brevard, and Morganton. Bridal Veil Falls, which is between Highlands and Dry Falls, offers North Carolinas only drive behind the waterfall. "agent": "woocommerce-7.4.0-3.0.12" Bryson City is a great gateway if youre looking to explore the expansive Great Smoky Mountains. /***Underline Links***/ The 5 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Live In Real Estate Blog The majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, charming towns offering luxurious properties with panoramic beauty are just a few of the reasons that many seek out the best place to live in the North Carolina mountains. The ride down is thrilling, with the two-seater sleds hitting top speeds of 27 miles per hour as they twist and turn down the nearly 2,400-foot run. According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. Youll find stunning waterfalls and spectacular North Carolina hikes all right outside your doorstep in this small mountain town. Join me to explore 5 NC Mountain Towns that you MUST visit! In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. Asheville is a popular retirement spot, and over a quarter of the population is age 60 or older . Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation. Robbinsville is surrounded by some wonderful places both natural and manmade. Start at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian or the Oconaluftee Indian Village. The town is home to the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad, a popular sightseeing excursion that has several different routes, the most popular is the Nantahala Gorge return trip. There is a lot to discover when you live in North Carolina mountain towns. Read More: 75+ Fun Day Trips from Asheville (Within a 2-Hour Drive). We're always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we'd love to hear from you. With Pendleton School of Craft nearby, theres also a thriving community for local art and handicrafts here. We also love that town and cant wait to go back:). You forgot to mention that it is home to Lees-McRae College! It also offers some of the best birdwatching around. The national park on the Tennessee and North Carolina border is the most popular in the country, so picking the right place to stay in the Smokies can mean the difference between traffic and bright lights or the sounds of birds chirping and streams rushing. Old Fort. .generate-back-to-top:visited { text-decoration: none One of our absolute favorite North Carolina mountain towns is Maggie Valley, a consistent family vacation spot. With Watauga River running through, its also a haven for anglers seeking out that coveted rainbow trout. The Museum of NC Handicrafts offers distinctive displays of work by a range of North Carolina artists. Known as the moonshine capital of the world, this foothills haven is spirited in more ways than one. text-decoration: none The Ramble Biltmore Forest, Asheville. Old Fort is set at the foot of the Black Mountains and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest. Alabama's quintessential mountain town is Mentone, which is set atop Lookout Mountain and filled with charming spots, including the Wildflower Caf, Mentone Log Cabin Village, and Mentone Arts and Cultural Center. The city is perfect for a winter getaway, thanks to milder weather, great events like Christmas at Biltmore and more! Flat Rock. 4 Roxboro at No. Regardless of the season, the Chetola Resort is a wonderful accommodation option. Don't miss a chance to see spectacular Dry Falls, about 10 minutes from town, where you can walk behind a curtain of water pouring off an overhanging ledge. Cities are fun but sometimes it's nice to swap the busy roads for the peaceful streets of a small mountain town. While high in the mountains in North Carolinas western region, Lake Glenville has evolved into a paradise for anglers, especially those looking to reel in bass. Youll enjoy walking on its brick sidewalks while admiring the towns historic buildings. It includes some of the top wild places in western North Carolina, such as Catawba Falls, Andrews Geyser, and Point Lookout. Awesome to hear, Rebecca! fbq( 'track', 'PageView', { Many of the most popular public access points, including Valle Crucis Community Park and the Watauga Gorge Access Area, are a short drive from Banner Elk. In fact, the town is home to the only fly fishing trail in the United States. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} Home to less than 500 people, Bakersville was founded to mine its wealth of mica deposits. We definitely recommend stopping at Whiteside Brewing for a pint and a burger (or wings!). My husband & I love West Jefferson. Its also known for The Diamondback, a road full of dangerous curves and beautiful vistas, popular among many daring drivers. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Waynesville. 9. Pearsons Falls is also nearby. Among its many quirky independent storefronts, its downtown is lousy with independent and adorable book stores. Streets here are rampant with a retro nostalgia, for a unique feel unlike anywhere else. Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). 2. "version": "7.4.0", Its a picture-perfect pick with plenty of kitsch to go around. If you decide to walk up the 107 stairs to the courthouse, you'll be rewarded by panoramic views over the downtown and surrounding countryside, including the Blue Ridge Mountains. A perfect getaway in an idyllic private setting welcomes all to the tranquil Lake Toxaway. Tryons reputation as an equestrian haven and arts enclave is revered. bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ Twitter Its proximity to many NC ski resorts makes it especially alluring for the winter seasons as well. Nearby is Grandfather Mountain with its suspension bridge. Dry Falls along Highway 64 where visitors can walk behind a beautiful 75-foot waterfall. 15 Best Small Towns in North Carolina - Great Small Towns to Visit and Live In NC 1 Best Easy, Cheap Dinner Ideas for Your Family 2 42 Best Bedroom Paint Color Ideas for 2023 3 Early Spring Flowers Will Combat the Winter Blues 4 What Our Editors Bought and Loved in February 5 Dad Jokes To Keep the Whole Family Laughing .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} RELATED The 12 Most Charming Small Towns in South Carolina Mark Vandenberg 1. The Trail of Faith explores this heritage through a collection of preserved monuments and buildings. Named after blowing rock that is located 4000 feet above sea level the town has sweeping vistas, and is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Tryon Fine Arts Center is a cultural institution of North Carolina, hosting eclectic exhibits, community events, TEDtalks, performing arts, classic films, and live music. Its an ideal setting for any wild wanderings in the local landscape. That last part is why Wilkes County is also home to the first-ever NASCAR track. We welcome you to the North Carolina mountains; we know youll just love it here! Advertisement. Stay at the historic Green Park Inn or luxurious Chetola Resort, but make sure you stop by the oldest attraction in North CarolinaThe Blowing Rock. Come in the summer to experience the cool refreshing mist of any of the breathtaking waterfalls in the area or grab some skis to hit the snow-covered slopes in the winter. @media only screen and (max-width: 359px) { With a population of about 14,000 people, you can find everything you need here, minus crowds, traffic, and parking hassles. Climb to the top of Chimney Rock or stroll over the Rocky Broad River through the blooming flora of Flowering Bridge. There are also plenty of Blowing Rock Restaurants to grab a bite to eat at! Lake Glenville has the distinction of being the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi River. Bryson City The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson city is one of the best NC mountain towns! Old Fort is another of our North Carolina mountain towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. The Ashe County Cheese factory and store are two great places to visit in West Jefferson, one of the cutest mountain towns in NC! Its original town limits are now a historic district where tourists can visit historical homes. The last one is an amazing introduction to the latter state park. Joyce Kilmer Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Lake Santeetlah are nearby. There are museums, an arts center, a variety of shops, and over 30 restaurants, all quite impressive for their small stature. Trust us, we will find it here in one of our great mountain towns. Little Switzerland is a Blue Ridge Parkway NC mountain town that packs quite the punch! .inside-article{ Youll encounter galleries galore downtown, among specialty shops, fine fares, and craft beverages. Read More: 20 Excellent Things to Do in Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary (and Nearby!). Cherokee is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and one of our favorite small mountain towns in NC. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and. You might say its a Foothills or Piedmont town, but well argue otherwise. Its surrounding landscape makes it one of the prettiest mountain towns and also one of the most popular. Properties are provided courtesy of Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS. Not to be outshone by the National Park, Bryson City manages to be an experience all its own! Home to East Carolina University, it's no surprise that apartments in Greenville are more affordable than in many larger, more professionally-focused cities. Among the top contenders is the beloved Sliding Rock. ), but theres just something extra special about those found in and around our North Carolina mountains. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Along with multiple parks, the area is the ideal location for camping, boating, fishing, or cycling. Begin with our list of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. Brevard has a pleasant feel about it. As a university town, the population reaches heights of around 20,000. } ); Located between Ashville and Cherokee, this town near the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the, Blowing Rock is a charming hamlet tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. 2. One of the best small towns near Asheville - well, technically a village with a population under 3,400 people as of 2020 - Flat Rock is home to history, apples, and hiking. Park the car and wander through small shops, discover local cuisine, and enjoy the fresh mountain air, or take a drive through the spectacular scenery to find waterfalls, lookouts, and hiking trails. The downtown is decked out with colorful murals, reflecting the artistic spirit of the town. Median age: 44.7. For the inside scoop on where to go, see our guide to the Top Rivers for Trout Fishing in North Carolina. ), How to See Elk River Falls (Trail and Safety Tips), 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina, The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do), Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More! Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, on the doorstep of great hiking trails, scenic drives, and spectacular waterfalls, the location is hard to beat. Its historic and Swiss-style architecture adds to its charm. See our article on the Best Ski Resorts in North Carolina for ideas to help plan your ski vacation. There are so many outdoor options in West Jeffersons surroundings, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers), and Mount Jefferson. Enjoy creekside beers at BearWaters Brewing, dance at Stompin Ground, and zoom through the iconic Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. min-width: 310px; It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. Nevertheless a gorgeous one and one of the most romantic places to travel in North Carolina. Weve created many more NC travel guides that include these mountain towns in more detail. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Banner Elk. The Dry Falls are the claim to fame of the Highlands, a stunning waterfall you can walk behind and stay completely dry. All this wonderful scenery might be a reason why many movies, including The Fugitive and Nell, were filmed in the area. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? Youll also enjoy walking around and stepping into local shops, art studios, and more here. Throughout the year, we think youll love eating and walking around downtown, tasting some of NCs finest beer at local breweries, and exploring the areas arts scene. The water also calls anglers to cast their lines in a variety of streams great for fly fishing. Have you ever seen Bigfoot? Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. Of course, the nearby Moore Cove Falls and French Broad Falls (Mill Shoals) are two of many more to explore. Dont miss walking across the Flowering Bridge, a beautiful blooming garden that spans the Rocky Broad River. But, with only 12,920 full time residents, there aren't a lot of people to get the word out. Is there anything more magical than a lakeside mountain town in NC?! Summer is the real draw, when the surrounding mountains turn a blissful green and offer up a wealth of natural treasures. Make sure to stop in the Paces General Store (operating since 1899) and Thompons Grocery Market- North Carolinas oldest grocery store! They hold the renowned Steeplechase each Spring. A number of great restaurants and breweries (including Fonta Flora) are based here, too. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. Named for its likeness to the Swiss Alps, the Switzerland Inn is a century-old resort catering to this concept. The attraction to Highlands is the ability to get outdoors on area trails, browse the Highlands Historic Village, or just explore downtown. padding-left: 10px; 3 Brevard at No. In early September, the Morganton Festival is a huge event with big name bands, celebrations, games, and arts and crafts vendors set up in the streets. New River Brewing is one of a few great places to grab some food and a beer. Set right alongside the Green River, Saluda is a hotspot for water adventures, such as tubing, kayaking, and rafting. A significant number of people living in Cali go to a higher altitude. Just outside the town, you can find the famous Grandfather Mountain and its Mile High Swinging Bridge. The history of Cashiers showcases the rich heritage of several buildings circa 1800s that have been restored overtime and are still in use today. Access to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing or just spending a day out on the boat is what most love about Lake Glenville. You're 20 minutes away from Raleigh, 20 minutes away from Durham, and 10 minutes away from Cary. Asheville, NC Bend, OR Boise, ID Denver, CO Flagstaff, AZ Salt Lake City, UT South Lake Tahoe, CA Tacoma, WA Asheville, NC Photo via @jared_kay Population: 87,531 Home Price: $212,000 median purchase price; $910 median monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 3% of U.S. cities My favorite is Flat Rock because I am a resident. South Lake Tahoe Might Be a Good Option. Well, youll need to answer that question when you visit Marion and their annual Bigfoot Festival! Between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors will find charming downtowns with local shops and restaurants as well as cozy inns and cabins. Floating high at 3,700 feet is one of the best NC mountain townsBanner Elk. .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} Cute shops and a variety of restaurants, some with summertime outdoor patios set beneath huge leafy trees, line Main Street. Boone Boone boasts a vibrant and active outdoor adventure scene. Ranging in size and shape, North Carolina mountain towns come packed with unique attractions and wait with warm, welcoming smiles. Its also known for its four-day roots music festival, Merlefest, for which people travel from all over to see legendary performances. Brevard is ideally situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to some of North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls. If youre a literary lover, Sylva is a great getaway. The town is named after an old train stop, being located at the southern edge of the Black Mountain Range within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its known for its iconic courthouse; an ascent to the entrance often offers an excellent photo op of the picturesque surroundings. 1 Sylva. 14. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, After a day of taking in the sights, stroll downtown Highlands along Main Street to discover a number of boutiques, specialty shops and make reservations at any of the fine dining options in this mountain town. Theres a bit of a dispute that we wont get into, but Old Forts Gold Festival typically kicks off each June. Walk Score: 36/100. Stop into Myras 1950s style diner for a taste of the good old days. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. #1 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA For a mountain getaway the whole family will enjoy, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is an ideal destination. Frostys in Ashe County is one of our favorite Christmas tree farms in North Carolina. The iconic flower is an abundant symbol in this region of the state. Even though it's primarily known for movie-like beaches, California is also a great mountain destination. Once a mining hub has now become a top vacation destination as part of the Plateau region of western North Carolina. Loved Black Mountain! .generate-back-to-top, Spend some time wandering around, stop in at the Mountain Fresh Grocery to pick up a quick bite or fresh coffee, or enjoy a lunch at one of the many restaurants. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the. Listing information last updated on March 4th, 2023 at 4:24am EST. Blowing Rock offers a beautiful balance between the new and the old. 3. You'll also find a fine assortment of restaurants, many with outdoor patios. "pluginVersion": "3.0.12" Read More: Chimney Rock State Park (How to Enjoy an NC Icon). Banner Elk. Fly fishing is a popular thing to do in Sylva. See: Palmer-Marsh House, Bonner House, Pamlico River, Goose Creek State Park, Bath Creek Dine: Blackbeard's Slices & Ices, Old Town Country Kitchen Stay: The Inn on Bath Creek 03 of 19 Beaufort Charlotte Observer/Getty Images Population: 4,382 } This is the highest town in elevation in all of the east. Its been a retreat for tourists since the 1890s and continues to be as refreshingly retro as ever. For any theology or history buffs, the Field of the Woods is a massive monument representing the 10 commandments. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains By Lissa Poirot, updated on December 13, 2022 Getty Images Small towns and wide-open landscapes are great places to be. Read More: The Asheville Art Museum (How to Visit + 7 Great Things to Do). The most recent of a long list of awards was Community of the Year by the Asheville Builders Association (ABA). I would never live anywhere else again. The Tuskegee River runs right through town, offering ample opportunity for tubing, rafting, and paddleboarding. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, the temperatures, even in the peak of summer, rarely get above the high 70s. Right next door to the happening city of Asheville, Weaverville has become its own desirable destination. Old Fort is another of our North Carolina small towns off I-40, best known for gold and Catawba Falls. This famous performance, running each summer since 1952, tells the story of Daniel Boone's adventures in the local area. With a population of just over 1,000 people, the village atmosphere of Banner Elk makes it an appealing attraction. Each of our North Carolina mountain towns has its own personality and charm, offering an authentic Appalachian experience unlike any other. The Macon County Gemboree is one of the most widely known gem shows in the entire country. The population is larger than most of the area, and as such, the downtown provides plenty of quaint amenities without any of the hustle and bustle of bigger city crowds. @media only screen and (min-width: 769px) { The compact downtown is replete with restored old brick buildings housing interesting restaurants, art shops, and stores. .ai-viewport-2 { display: inherit !important;} Youll love Murphy for its fun downtown and the surrounding NC mountains, water, and trails. One of the largest North Carolina mountain towns on this list, we absolutely love all the fun things to do in Hendersonville. Let us know what piques your interest or just tell us what your dream home looks like in your vision. 2 Marion at No. This small and gorgeous mountain town in North Carolina is a haven for food, culture, and outdoor adventure, and of course, for those seeking a laid-back mountain life that's not far from awesome attractions. Enjoy Wake Forest's many restaurants, museums, galleries, concerts, and more. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ Festivals are a big deal in Highlands, especially those hosted in the fall which feature arts & crafts, the annual Halloween celebration, and the Culinary Weekend. It's a hot spot for mountain biking, mountain climbing, hiking, and waterfall chasing. "source": "woocommerce", The sparkling North Carolina lake of the same name is the main draw for this mountain town. Beaufort County COUNTY POPULATION: 46,994 SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24.6% Mitchell Craft Fair, adding to their creative haven atmosphere. Blowing Rock, North Carolina is one of the best small North Carolina towns and located just 10 minutes from Boone, it has a small village vibe. Just recently voted in the top 10 places to retire in North Carolina, Black Mountain is nearby Asheville and has a tiny population of just under 8,000 residents. Waynesville is a small town in Haywood County, North Carolina known for its picturesque setting in the Great Smoky Mountains and its close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Black Mountain features quaint shops, impressive restaurants (including Phils Bar-B-Que Pit! Hendersonville Main Street, Hendersonville | Photo Copyright: Lana Law Asheville may be the best-known destination in the mountains of North Carolina, but Hendersonville is a wonderful small-town alternative. This is one of those very tiny North Carolina mountain towns that packs big personality. This area is considered to be one . The Tuckasegee River flows nearby and is regarded as a hot spot for trout and whitewater fish populations. My favorite is Waynesville because I live there. Anglers come from far and wide to try and catch one of the river's colorful rainbow trout. This is the best of the North Carolina mountain towns to soak all your worries away. Use it as a base for nearby hikes and waterfalls, rides on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, or just relax in luxury at Biltmore Estate or The Omni Grove Park Inn. If you want to look like a local, hit up the popular watering hole, the Daily Grind & Wine. Boones truly a four-season destination: they boast hiking and waterfalls in spring through fall and world-class skiing in the winter. The rustic charm of Cashiers honors the regions former prominence in the timber industry. Home to Appalachian State University, Boone is a thriving college town with plenty of High Country hikes, delicious restaurants, trailblazing breweries, and more things to do. This wonderful (and family-friendly) music festival brings in big names each year. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Ranking high on the best cities to live in in North Carolina, Wake Forest is an ideal place for those who love the great outdoors. My son moved to Asheville in 1991 so we moved up here in 2006 after Katrina in New Orleans. the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, is a time capsule of midcentury small-town America. Meanwhile, well continue exploring all that these quaint towns have to offer, from fantastic restaurants to mountain hikes to local artist communities! Disclaimer: This site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Its downtown is home to nice shops, a cozy atmosphere, and great restaurants. All of these mountain towns in NC possess something unique, which is why we cant choose our favorite. Read More: The Best Black Mountains Hikes near Burnsville. One contributing factor to the overall safety of Western NC may be the small size of the towns and cities here. Of course, we cant forget about the famous Christmas Fraser Firs youll see around Ashe County. Hike around the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC. Be sure to check out the historic courthouse and the wonderfully restored mansion that now houses Morganton Savings Bank. Explore the charming downtown area on foot to discover its collection of shops, restaurants, breweries, and a famous Mast General Store that features an eclectic selection of souvenirs and candy.